Device control system, service-providing method for a device control system, and a program for the same

Abstract

A device control system does not require changing the application in conjunction with changes in process content or changes in the type or specifications of a device. A style sheet database stores a plurality of style sheets describing information conversion rules for XML documents. A communication interface acquires output data from an application, and acquires an XML document containing information specifying the target device to which the output data is output and an output style sheet. Based on the output style sheet, an XML document converter converts the XML document acquired from the communication interface to an XML document including device control information for the target device. A device-specific XML document input / output unit outputs the XML document acquired from the XML document converter to the device control service corresponding to the target device.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present invention relates to a device control system that controls devices based on information acquired from an application, to a service-providing method for a device control system, and to a program for the same. Note that “service” as used herein is a term used in SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture).[0003]2. Related Art[0004]In order to control plural types of devices such as printers, displays, and card readers that are connected to a computer, an application program (referred to below as simply “application”) is installed on the computer to control the devices. In order to cause the plural types of devices to execute a single coordinated process, the application must be written to include processes specific to each device, such as a process instructing a first device to execute an operation and return event information, and another process then instructing a second device to execute an operation and return event information, and writ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables flexible control of multiple devices with reduced need for application changes, absorbing changes in process content and device specifications, and allows for seamless substitution of devices without altering the application.

Problems solved by technology

In order to cause the plural types of devices to execute a single coordinated process, the application must be written to include processes specific to each device, such as a process instructing a first device to execute an operation and return event information, and another process then instructing a second device to execute an operation and return event information, and writing the application is thus time-consuming.

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